MBSR Every Day: Daily Practices from the Heart of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Description

Stress is a part of daily life, but over time it can cause us to feel anxious, irritable, and overwhelmed. So how can you keep stress from getting the best of you and avoid total burnout? The key to maintaining balance in life is to respond to stress with genuine, nonjudgmental awareness of our bodies and minds. Drawing on the ancient wisdom of mindfulness, this practical guide will show you tons of little ways you can overcome stress every day-no matter what life throws your way. The mindfulness strategies in this book are inspired by mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a clinically proven program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Research has shown that MBSR is effective in alleviating a number of health and mental health conditions, including stress, anxiety, panic, depression, chronic pain, and more. This important book works wonderfully on its own, or can be used in conjunction with A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook. If you are ready to permanently change the way you handle stress, gain powerful inspiration, and live more fully in the moment, this book is the perfect guide.

Bob Stahl, PhD, founded and directs mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs at Dominican Hospital, O'Connor Hospital, and El Camino Hospital. Stahl serves as a Senior Teacher for Oasis Institute for Mindfulness-Based Professional Education and Training at the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, HealthCare, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Stahl is a coauthor of A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook, Living With Your Heart Wide Open, and Calming the Rush of Panic. He is the guiding teacher at Insight Santa Cruz and visiting teacher at Spirit Rock and Insight Meditation Society. Elisha Goldstein, PhD, is a psychologist, author, and speaker who integrates traditional psychotherapy with progressive mindfulness to achieve mental and emotional healing. Goldstein has published extensively and is author of numerous books, including The Now Effect: How This Moment Can Change the Rest of Your Life (Atria Books, 2012) and Mindfulness Meditations for the Anxious Traveler (Atria Books, 2013). He is coauthor of A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook (New Harbinger, 2010).

"Inviting, wise, and practical. A must-read for those new to mindfulness and longtime MBSR graduates, alike. MBSR Every Day will inspire you to be your best self, to live fully, and to stay motivated to 'just do it' and practice mindfulness every day." --Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, RN, Tussi and John Kluge Endowed Professor in contemplative end-of-life care at the University of Virginia School of Nursing, and author of Leaves Falling Gently "This book shows us the heart of mindfulness. It reveals how the power of being present, the deepening of our own awareness, and the building of our own resiliency will help us thrive in our ever-changing and growingly complicated world. This book will help you settle down and settle in to the deeper and more tenacious part of who you are--the part you have probably been looking for all along." --Tim Ryan, US representative, Ohio, and author of A Mindful Nation "Authors Goldstein and Stahl teach us how to cultivate a mindful, heartful awareness with great simplicity and mastery. Giving yourself to the practices offered in this clear, wise, easy-to-use book is truly a gift to the soul. Enjoy!" --Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge "Elisha Goldstein and Bob Stahl convey the sweetness and depth that can be found by bringing awareness to the simple activities and experiences of a typical modern life. Beginners and longtime practitioners alike will be inspired by the doorways that lead to deep inner truths." --Megan Cowan, cofounder of Mindful Schools "If you are looking for a practical and easy-to-read guide to applying the wisdom of the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program to your everyday life, this book is for you. Elisha Goldstein and Bob Stahl have teamed up to offer an invaluable treasure trove of scientifically proven techniques we can apply to the everyday hassles and challenges of our busy modern lives. I highly recommend this book for novice practitioners, as well as experienced meditators who want to revitalize their practices." --Patricia A. Jennings, MEd, PhD, associate professor at the Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, and author of Mindfulness for Teachers "Take one amazing program that has brought relief to thousands of people across the planet, add two wise and warm teachers with deep experience and clarity of expression, blend them together with compassion and practicality, and you have this book: a shining gem that distills the essence of MBSR into simple yet powerful reflections, exercises, and practices. Just as MBSR is a collection of moments, so is this book. Clear, helpful, kindhearted, and practical, MBSR Every Day is a valuable guide to anyone who seeks to live a more mindful life." --StevenD.Hickman, PsyD, clinical psychologist, executive director at the UCSD Center for Mindfulness, and associate clinical professor in the UCSD department of psychiatry "This is a book worth carrying around with you. It's a rich treasury of easily digestible practices that can help make mindfulness an everyday refreshing habit rather than a dutiful chore. It's also filled with helpful background research and insightful commentary." --Barry Boyce, editor-in-chief of Mindful (mindful.org) "With clarity and simplicity, the authors outline practical strategies for living an inspired, connected, and openhearted life--one with balance, steadiness, and wisdom amidst the inevitable joys and sorrows. Highly recommended." --Tara Healey, MEd, program director of Mindfulness-Based Learning at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care